Customizing Perks

Although economics often focuses on the relationship between cash rewards and job effort, non-salary incentives can be an important motivational tool as well. With the increasingly global market, however, these perks need to be tailored to the local environment.

This week's issue of Business Week has an interesting description of how perks vary across the world. A few highlights of perks offered in different countries:

• India: health care coverage for parents
• Hong Kong: health care coverage for traditional Chinese medicine
• Japan: family allowances depending on size of family
• Mexico: "pollution-escape" trips
• Brazil: kidnapping protection
• Russia: company-sponsored mortgages